The left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Mount Kinabalu departure sequence, which offers far more terrain drama than the flat delta scenery on landing; the long cruise over the South China Sea is neutral for both sides.
Flown BKI to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou is 1,220 miles (1,964 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
Open South China Sea with no significant landmarks until the Chinese coastline near Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta comes into view on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKI
LEFTDeparting BKI, the northbound or southbound climb-out gives left-side passengers views of Mount Kinabalu's granite massif and the coastal ranges of Sabah, plus Kota Kinabalu's coastline and offshore islands. The right side mostly shows open South China Sea with no terrain reference.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTOn approach into Guangzhou from the south, the right side offers views over the Pearl River Delta's dense urban sprawl, river channels, and the approach into Baiyun's flat delta terrain, giving more visual interest than the featureless agricultural plains on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kota Kinabalu International (BKI) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou. The left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Mount Kinabalu departure sequence, which offers far more terrain drama than the flat delta scenery on landing; the long cruise over the South China Sea is neutral for both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Kota Kinabalu International in Kota Kinabalu?
During takeoff from Kota Kinabalu International (BKI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BKI, the northbound or southbound climb-out gives left-side passengers views of Mount Kinabalu's granite massif and the coastal ranges of Sabah, plus Kota Kinabalu's coastline and offshore islands. The right side mostly shows open South China Sea with no terrain reference. Notable sights include: Mount Kinabalu, Crocker Range, Kota Kinabalu coastline, Tunku Abdul Rahman islands.
What can I see when landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
When landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Guangzhou from the south, the right side offers views over the Pearl River Delta's dense urban sprawl, river channels, and the approach into Baiyun's flat delta terrain, giving more visual interest than the featureless agricultural plains on the left. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou city skyline, Zhujiang River channels, Baiyun district outskirts.
How long is the flight from Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou?
The flight from Kota Kinabalu International (BKI) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,220 miles (1,964 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Open South China Sea with no significant landmarks until the Chinese coastline near Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta comes into view on descent.